The Interplay Between Iron Metabolism and Insulin Resistance: A Key Factor in Optimizing Obesity Management in Children and Adolescents

Iron plays a vital role in insulin signaling, regulating molecular mechanisms that influence cellular insulin responses. This review explores the link between iron metabolism and insulin resistance (IR) in children and adolescents with obesity. A connection between iron metabolism, iron deficiency (ID), and IR is well-documented, but further longitudinal studies are needed to better understand how iron metabolism influences insulin resistance during childhood and adolescence. This connection warrants attention due to its significant public health implications, as optimizing obesity management could help prevent both ID and metabolic complications in children. Current evidence does not suggest that dietary factors are primary contributors to ID in children. However, there is scientific evidence that weight reduction can restore iron homeostasis in people with obesity. Therefore, efforts should focus on improving dietary habits, increasing awareness of iron's importance, and implementing strategies to address both ID and obesity.